Start With the Loan, Then Add the Help

Most buyers don’t put 20% down. The loan type sets your minimum, and down payment assistance can cover some or all of it:

  • Conventional: as little as 3% down for qualifying buyers.
  • FHA: 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score.
  • VA: 0% down for eligible veterans and service members.
  • USDA: 0% down on homes in eligible areas, mostly outside the city, with income limits.

A lender will tell you which ones fit your income, credit and the homes you’re looking at.

North Carolina Programs (NC Housing Finance Agency)

NC Home Advantage Mortgage: a 30-year fixed loan for first-time and move-up buyers, with down payment assistance of up to 3% of the loan amount. It requires a 640+ credit score, and household income can’t go over the program limit (currently $152,000). The home has to be your primary residence.

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment: $15,000 in down payment help for eligible first-time buyers and military veterans, used with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage. Income limits apply.

Both go through participating lenders, not straight through the agency. Expect a homebuyer education class before closing.

City of Charlotte: House Charlotte

For first-time buyers purchasing inside Charlotte city limits. It offers deferred, forgivable loans for down payment, closing costs and rate buy-downs:

  • Income at or below 80% of area median: up to $30,000, plus a matching amount up to $50,000 more.
  • Income from 80% to 110% of area median: up to $10,000, plus a match up to $20,000. City, county and CMS employees can get up to $30,000 without the match.

The current maximum sales price is $365,000. The loans are forgiven after 30 years if you keep the home as your primary residence. House Charlotte is run with DreamKey Partners and requires an 8-hour homebuyer class.

Buying on the South Carolina Side

Looking at Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Indian Land or Lancaster? SC Housing’s Homebuyer Program offers a $10,000 down payment and closing cost loan for first-time buyers (and some repeat buyers in targeted areas), forgiven after 15 years in the home. Income and price limits apply. I’m licensed in both North and South Carolina.

Bank Programs From Lenders I Work With

Some banks have their own down payment help on top of the state and city programs. These lenders told me about their programs in October 2026. Call them to check what you qualify for.

Ameris Bank: Barry McDonald

  • Ameris Dream: 100% financing with no PMI for first-time buyers in Mecklenburg County. 680+ credit. Income limits depend on the census tract where the home is.
  • Ameris DPA Grant: $6,000 for first-time buyers. 620+ credit. Borrower income at or below 80% of the county median. Available in most NC and SC counties.
  • Ameris Advantage FHA DPA: 3.5% or 5% of the purchase price toward down payment and closing costs, as a repayable second loan over 10 years. 640+ credit. No income limits, and you don’t have to be a first-time buyer (you just can’t own another home at closing). Housing counseling is required.

VP, Mortgage Banker, NMLS# 1577952 · Davidson, NC
Call or text 704-779-5005 · Barry.McDonald@amerisbank.com

Fifth Third Bank: Mike Tomlanovich

  • Fifth Third homebuyer grant: $1,395 to $6,000, and it never has to be paid back. You don’t have to be a first-time buyer.
  • Homes in low- to moderate-income census tracts can get the larger grant. In other areas, income limits apply.
  • Conventional loans need about a 670–680+ credit score. FHA goes down to 620.
  • Your pre-approval and mortgage have to be with Fifth Third to use the grant.

Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS# 406444
Call 248-797-0001 · michael.tomlanovich@53.com

United Community Bank: Bryan Segers

Bryan is a Charlotte lender with United Community Bank’s down payment assistance and special financing programs. Funds and rules change during the year, so call him for what’s available now.

VP, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS# 1715257 · 4777 Sharon Road, Charlotte
Call 704-430-0198 · bryan_segers@ucbi.com

Get Matched With the Right Lender

Not every lender does these programs, and the ones who do them often know the deadlines and paperwork cold. Tell me a little about what you’re looking for, and I’ll introduce you to two or three local lenders who handle down payment assistance so you can compare.

The Fine Print

Program amounts, income limits and price limits change, and funds can run out. Your lender confirms what you qualify for. I’m a real estate broker, not a lender, so I can’t approve loans or quote rates. Sources: NC Housing Finance Agency, City of Charlotte Housing & Neighborhood Services, SC Housing, and the lenders listed above, checked October 2026. Bank programs are offered by those lenders, not by me.

I’m Maureen Mahood, broker-owner of Sell Your Home Charlotte. Licensed since 2015.

Questions Buyers Ask

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get down payment help?

Not always. NC Home Advantage Mortgage is open to move-up buyers too. NC 1st Home Advantage and House Charlotte are for first-time buyers. Many programs count you as first-time if you haven’t owned a home in the past three years.

Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?

Most of these are forgivable or deferred loans. They’re forgiven over time if you stay in the home as your primary residence. If you sell or refinance early, part may be due. Your lender will spell out the terms.

Can I use down payment help on a new construction home?

Often, yes, as long as the home and price fit the program rules. Some builders have their own preferred lenders. Ask before you sign anything with a builder.

Where do I start?

Get pre-approved with a lender who does these programs, then shop. Fill out the form above and I’ll connect you.